LEER HF350M - My Tonneau Journey

[Rubicon10A]

How long did it take to get? I placed my order on 9-24 and haven't heard anything from Leer yet.

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[SN13]

How long did it take to get? I placed my order on 9-24 and haven't heard anything from Leer yet.

Order 9/23
Shipping notification 9/24
Received 9/27 via UPS

 

[DIYAndy]

OK. Here we go.

Opened the box at 6:50PM.

Let's see what's inside.

In the center is a box of parts:

Oh Black Butyl? Nice.

Let's check out the installation instructions. (You can look but no where does it describe the bulkhead or butyl tape. More on that later.)

OK. Let's get to installation.

Took a photo of my tailgate to see exactly where it stopped compared to the rail.

Mount both rails forward on the bulkhead aligned like so:

This will leave the rear portion of the rail here:

Clamps insert into the chanel you see above.

Also, there are a few sections of the above chanel cutout (2) on each side to facilitate the clamp locations.

You can see the cutout just above this clamp. This is the most forward towards the bulkhead.

I found the easiest way to attach the clamps was as follows:
1. Slide into position.
2. Tighten the knob until the rear piece came into contact with the underside of the top piece of the bed rail.
3. Tighten the allen key bolt.
4. Then tighten the knob tight.

Here are the locations I used based on the cutouts vs. The plastic protrusions under the rail.

Then I aligned the cover on the rails and placed the end right down that line.

So, now the seals for the bulkhead. They dont mention them. But they are in the package. I could have saved myself some time if I had known ahead. Basically align the seal to the bulkhead front wall (near the cab) and let the excess overhang into the bed side.

I had to add the seals with the rails in place. (Thanks instructions).

Because I was too lazy to start over...

No mention of the butyl tape but I am anticipating placing it in this corner where the flap and bulkhead seal come together with the siderails. Waiting for a weathercheck first.

Also, i needed NO tools other than what was provided.

Took a total of 2hrs including having to turn my bed light on many times, screw with the bulkhead seals and spend probably 20m on a 5m operation instead of taking off the rails.

All in all a simple installation.

Better photos when the sun is up.

View attachment 19623

Ford put on the Ranger a very large gap between the metal rail and the vinyl overhang. In clamping this rail with this air gap will cause the rail to bend - you can see it in many your installation pictures. I will get, for my installation, solid squares of 1/4" aluminum piece(s) to fill this gap in before clamping the Tonneau rail to the truck bed rail. Funny, all Tonneau manufacturers, no matter who they are, don't take this Ford Ranger designed in air gap into consideration. Clamping on an air gap does not give the proper holding power as opposed to a solid layer(s) of metal.

BTW … mighty fine installation pics.

 

[SN13]

Ford put on the Ranger a very large gap between the metal rail and the vinyl overhang. In clamping this rail with this air gap will cause the rail to bend - you can see it in many your installation pictures. I will get, for my installation, solid squares of 1/4" aluminum piece(s) to fill this gap in before clamping the Tonneau rail to the truck bed rail. Funny, all Tonneau manufacturers, no matter who they are, don't take this Ford Ranger designed in air gap into consideration. Clamping on an air gap does not give the proper holding power as opposed to a solid layer(s) of metal.

BTW … mighty fine installation pics.

I know exactly what you're referring to... maybe i should slip some aluminum in there.

35mm x 17mm x 3mm is the size of the clamp void.

 

[FULLSCALE]

That looks pretty nice! It doesn’t look as tall as I was expecting from other pictures on other trucks.

 

[DIYAndy]

maybe i should slip some aluminum in there.

BTW ...If your are worried about the shims falling away and go flying off in an accidental "blowout", just drill a small hole in each shim and attach a stainless steel safety wire to each of them - they will never move. Also, wrap each shim in duck tape for better "safety"

 

[SN13]

So, had to get a portable rolling toolbox that would fit under the tonneau.

All of the handles for the Dewalt, Craftsman, Milwaulkee, etc. Were 24-25" tall when closed.

Only the rigid was 19" (20" was my max safe height.)

It worked just fine.

The three pieces stack and lock. Allows me to roll some or all the tools at once.

Thought I'd save some others the time to hunt a usable one down.

 

[Chief of the Boat]

I ordered the Leer 700 about 4 weeks ago. https://www.leer.com/tonneau-covers I will post pictures after the install.

 

[Rich Elliott]

I bought the same tonneau cover for my Ranger. I had it installed for $95.00, as it looks, I’m glad I did. I’m extremely happy with the cover and the installation was top rate.
The installer told me, because of the difference in the level at the front of the bed with the sides, he had to add a piece of foam to meet the cover itself. It just rained a couple days ago and no rain got inside the bed. I problem I’m looking into is what sounds like a strap plapping against the bed of the truck. I can’t seem to find it yet. If anybody experienced this please let me know if you know anything.

 

[SN13]

I bought the same tonneau cover for my Ranger. I had it installed for $95.00, as it looks, I’m glad I did. I’m extremely happy with the cover and the installation was top rate.
The installer told me, because of the difference in the level at the front of the bed with the sides, he had to add a piece of foam to meet the cover itself. It just rained a couple days ago and no rain got inside the bed. I problem I’m looking into is what sounds like a strap plapping against the bed of the truck. I can’t seem to find it yet. If anybody experienced this please let me know if you know anything.

A strap slapping against the bed of the truck?

well there are only 3 possible causes (in my opinion).

1. The Yellow straps at the cab-end of the bed are not clipped to the tonneau.
2. The arms that hold the Tonneau vertically when it's folded, are not installed properly.
3. The rubber flap that covers the foam at the front, isn't sitting correctly.

Hope that helps.

 

[Rubicon10A]

I received mine yesterday and got it installed in about 90 minutes thanks to your excellent write up and pictures! I think it looks great on the truck.

 

[SN13]

I received mine yesterday and got it installed in about 90 minutes thanks to your excellent write up and pictures! I think it looks great on the truck.

I think if I had to do it again, I could get it down to an hour or less since I wouldn't have to check and double-check to make sure I was mounting correctly.

Also, i'd like to say that I have had ZERO water inside my bed. I looked after a big rain, and again after driving through the rain.

If there is any water, it must be so little that it's hiding under my Rubber mat.

 

[SN13]

Some shots in use.

 

[SN13]

Took the LEER to the carwash.

No leaks other than the tailgate to bed gap.

 

[SN13]

Well,

I'm officially calling this LEER HF350M....

THE BEST FOLDING HARD TONNEAU on the market for our Rangers.

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